[PRSALA]

Can anyone explain how to go about getting my little guy's name changed and a new bc issued (in NJ) WITHOUT readoption, which we do not NEED to do in NJ? We were informed that NJ requires fingerprints to be less than 12 months old and the child abuse clearance to be no more than 18 months old. Well, after starting the process in Sept 05, accepting a referral in Mar. 06, and bringing him home in Dec, we feel we've paid enough and have jumped through enough hoops already. I mean, we were already
approved, our adoption is finalized and legal! Besides more hoops, NJ stinks when it comes to getting a timely appointment, and by the time we pay again to have fingerprints redone, esp. the federal ones, our
child abuse clearance would be no good, and probably our h/s. I'm not about to do all this unless it's for another adoption.
Any help, other than readoption, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
-Priscilla

[becky716]

I may be confused but you shouldn't need to do a readoption, you should do a recognition of a foreign adoption and for that you shouldn't need the fingerprints and what not. Atleast we didn't. You just file some paperwork and meet with the judge. Personally, I would do it so that you have a US birthcertificate. They are much easier to replace if lost than one that came from Guatemala. That's just my opinion.
As far as the name change, I have no idea. We didn't need to do it.

[DPline]

You might try some of the people on this thread. They might be able to give you some specifics.

New Jersey Name Change & Readoption

[mistyflower]

Hello, We did a name change without readoption in NJ. We can also get a NJ BC without readoption. I will look for the info I have and foward it to you.
You will need to do the name change through your county court, if you look on the website they should have info on how to do it yourself.

[PRSALA]

Debbie -Thanks for the connection to the other thread.
Jodi - Thanks for the website. I was aware of this info. What I'm confused about is do I need to request a name change through my county court, then apply for the NJ birth certificate?
Any direction and info as to how you did it is appreciated.
Becky - even tho' my son came home on an IR3 visa, I was told by the Union County (NJ) surrogate office that fingerprints and homestudy need to be submitted with the papers; fingerprints can't be more than a year old... which is total crap.
-Priscilla

[LisaDR]

I am in the process now in BUrlington COunty.... I am actually readopting Chase though... There is a form for just a new bc but I want to readopt to make sure in the event I move... it cost about 275 bucks with the new BC and the new fingerprints..... and you don't need an attorney....
the papers aren't too hard jBurlington sent out a copy and you just fill in the blanks what applies and I don't think they are that strict with them but I did have to provide a copy of my original CARI and criminal history check as well as having my CARI updated and yes the new fingerprints... I got a letter today that I should be getting a letter with a hearing date on it. I only dropped the papers off 12/29. I Can't wait to have it finally done at this point I figuired what's another 300 to fil lin all the possible loopholes...